Vatican Visitor Joins Taiwan’s 60‑Year Buddhist Charity Milestone

A Vatican representative recently traveled to Taiwan for the 60th anniversary of the Tzu Chi Foundation, a Buddhist charity known worldwide for its disaster relief work. The visit comes at a time when the Holy See is looking to strengthen ties with China, yet it also maintains one of only twelve formal diplomatic relationships with Taiwan—unique among European nations. The Vatican’s presence in Taipei was led by Cardinal Peter Turkson, the chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. He attended events in Hualien, where Tzu Chi’s headquarters are located, and later joined the main celebration at Taipei’s Liberty Square. The event drew thousands of volunteers and was attended by Taiwan President Lai Ching‑te and the U. S. ambassador to Taiwan, Raymond Greene.Taiwan’s foreign ministry highlighted shared values such as religious freedom and human rights during the visit, emphasizing a commitment to international religious dialogue. Meanwhile, another Vatican official, Paulin Batairwa Kubuya of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, had previously visited Taiwan to meet leaders from various faiths. Despite the formal relationship, Taiwan’s president did not attend recent Vatican ceremonies, including Pope Francis’ funeral and the inauguration of Pope Leo. The Tzu Chi Foundation, while rooted in Buddhism, operates across religious lines and has a strong presence in disaster zones worldwide. The Vatican’s response to inquiries about the trip was silent, but the visit underscores a broader effort to promote interfaith cooperation and diplomatic engagement in East Asia.